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Here’s all about Tonina fluviatilis — a stunning and delicate stem plant prized in aquascaping for its unique star-shaped leaves, vibrant green color, and demanding but rewarding nature.


🌿 Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Tonina fluviatilis

  • Common Name: Tonina Fluviatilis

  • Family: Eriocaulaceae

  • Origin: South America (notably Brazil and surrounding river systems)


🌱 Plant Description

  • Growth Form: Stem plant

  • Leaf Shape: Narrow, needle-like, arranged in rosettes around the stem forming a starburst appearance

  • Leaf Color: Light to bright green; can get golden-green tones under strong lighting

  • Height: 15–30 cm (6–12 inches)

  • Width: 2–4 cm per stem cluster

  • Growth Rate: Medium to fast (under ideal conditions)


💧 Tank Requirements

Parameter Ideal Range
Temperature 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH 5.5 – 6.5 (soft, acidic water)
GH/KH Low general and carbonate hardness
Lighting High intensity required
CO₂ Mandatory for healthy growth
Substrate Nutrient-rich; aquasoil recommended

🌾 Growth & Propagation

  • Growth Habit: Upright stem growth; bushy with tight rosettes

  • Trimming: Tops can be cut and replanted for propagation

  • Spacing: Space stems to avoid shading and encourage side-shoots

  • Propagation: By cutting healthy tops and replanting in substrate


🌟 Aquascaping Use

  • Midground to background in nano tanks

  • Background plant in larger aquascapes

  • Adds a unique star-texture contrast to leafy or stem-heavy layouts

  • Works well in Dutch-style tanks as a focal stem plant


🧠 Care Tips

  • Requires soft, acidic water to thrive

  • Needs strong lighting (at least 0.8–1 watt/L or LED equivalent)

  • CO₂ injection is essential — without it, the plant often melts

  • Regular fertilization — both root and water column — is required

  • Avoid burying the base too deep to prevent stem rot

  • Ensure good circulation to avoid algae between tightly packed leaves


⚠️ Common Issues

Problem Cause
Yellowing or melting tips CO₂ deficiency or water too hard
Leggy, sparse growth Low lighting or excessive spacing
Leaf curl or dieback Alkaline water or poor substrate nutrition
Algae between rosettes Poor flow or excess light without balance

🐠 Compatibility

  • Safe for all aquarium species

  • Ideal in shrimp tanks and peaceful community tanks

  • Avoid with rough fish (e.g., large cichlids, goldfish) due to delicate stems

  • Snails may occasionally graze young leaves in nutrient-deficient tanks


📌 Quick Summary

Feature Details
Type Stem plant
Color Bright green
Light High intensity required
CO₂ Mandatory
Growth Rate Medium to fast (in soft, acidic water)
Difficulty Level High (for advanced aquascapers)
Placement Midground or background

Why Choose Tonina fluviatilis?

  • Unmatched starburst leaf pattern

  • Adds texture and contrast to any aquascape

  • A challenge for enthusiasts seeking delicate, exotic plants

  • Stunning highlight stem in a Dutch or Nature-style tank



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